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About Google Book Search Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web at http : / /books . google . com/ Digitized by Google WAR DEPARTMENT FIELD MANUAL TRANSPORTATION CORPS RAILWAY-OPERATING BATTALION.^^* WAR DEPMTMEIIT-4 F E B R U « R V 1944 )f A R DEPARTMENT FIELD MANUAL FM 55-55 This mantuU sufitstdis TM 5-405, 29 N', 1944. FM 55-55, Transportation Corps Manual, Railway-Operating Battalion, is published for the information and guidance of all concerned. [A. G. 300.7 (13 Nov 1943) ] By order op the Secretary of War: G. C. MARSHALL, Chief of Staff. Official: J. A. ULIO, Major General, The Adjutant General. Distribution : ID 55 (10) ; IBn 55 (25), (3) ; IC 55 (O- (For explanation of symbols, see FM 2 1-6.) Digitized by Google CONTENTS I. OENERAL Paragraph Page Purpose and scope i i Mission 2 3 Organization 3 2 Cooperation 4 2 Weapons 1 5 3 Equipment. 6 3 Transportation 7 3 Terminology 8 3 II. TECHNICAL OPERATIONS Powers and limitations 9 5 Distribution of personnel 10 6 Demolition ^ 1 1 8 Additional personnel 12 8 Relation to other arms and services 13 9 Conunand 14 10 III. HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS COMPANY Organization 15 15 Function _ 16 15 Battalion headquarters 17 15 Headquarters company .__ 18 18 IV. MAINTENANCE-OP-WAY COMPANY Organization 19 22 Function 20 22 Company headquarters 21 23 Bridge- and building-maintenance platoon 22 24 Track-maintenance platoon - 23 26 Signal-maintenance section 24 28 V. MAINTENANCE^F-EQUIPMENT COMPANY Organization - 25 29 Function 26 29 Company headquarters 27 30 Car-repair platoon 28 31 Locomotive-repair platoon — ,33 Digitized by Google VI. TRANSPORTATION COMPANY Panwph Page Organization... 30 37 Function _ _. 31 37 Company headquarters 32 38 Train-operating platoon 33 39 VII. ELECTRIC POWER AND TRANSMISSION COMPANY Organization _ 34 41 Function _ 35 41 Company headquarters 36 41 Electric power platoon 37 42 VIII. AMiULANCE TRAIN MAINTENANCE Scope and organization 38 44 Function 39 44 Ambulance train maintenance section 40 45 Maintenance crew 41 45 IX. DRILL AND CEREMONIES General /. 42 47 Battalion staflf 43 47 Color guard and guidon 44 48 Drill organization - ^ 45 48 Close-order drill - 46 49 Formations --- 47 50 Inspection 48 50 Ceremonies. 49 51 Extended order 50 51 X. COMRAT General 51 52 XL TRAINING General 52 53 Private - 53 53 Noncommissioned officer - 54 54 Commissioned officer 55 54 Unit - 56 55 Method 57 55 XII. MEDICAL DETACHMENT General - - 58 57 Drill, ceremonies, and combat ^ 59t 57 Digitized by VjOOv IC Tkis manual supersedes TM 5^5, 29 November 1940, tnciuding C 1,9 June 1942 Section 1 General 1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE, o. This manual explains the organization and operation of the railway-operating bat- talion upon a railway operated by the Military Railway Service. Its purpose is to assist military railway officers in the training and operation of their units and to guide com- mand and staff officers charged with their employment. No attempt is made to prescribe employment of railway-operat- ing battalions under all situations. The scheme for organi- zation and employment described is drawn up to fit the general requirements of railway troops operating railway divisions. b. Since actual conditions which may confront a railway operating battalion vary widely, it is not intended that a literal interpretation of these provisions be made. They should be considered as a guide and exceptions made thereto in the interest of efficient operation. Ultimate responsi- bility for efficiency of a railway-operating battalion rests upon the battalion commander (division superintendent) who must work out details as to the employment of railway troops as the situation demands. €• The statement of duties is only for the purpose of showing command relations between various individuals and command responsibility. d. The word "division" as used herein refers to a railway division and not a tactical division. Digitized by Googl 2. MISSION, o. The mission of a railway-operating bat- talion is to operate and maintain a division of a mHitary railway in the theater of operations. It may be required by higher authority to destroy the line over which it is operating. b. The principal objective for railway troops taking over a new line is immediate movement of supplies and replace- ments to the front and evacuation therefrom. 3. ORGANIZATION, o. The railway-operating battal- ion is the basic railway unit. It is normally assigned to a railway division in the conununications zone or to a regulat- ing station. For command relations, see paragraph 14. b. The battalion is so organized that it is capable of taking over the railway activities of the smallest self-con- tained railway zone, called in civil practice the railway division, which includes the mainline tracks, sidings, termi- nals, shops, and structures required for coordinated action. C A railway-operating battalion is divided into a head- quarters, headquarters company, medical detachment, trans- portation company, maintenance-of-way company, mainte- nance-of -equipment company, and where the line to be operated is electrified, an electric power transmission com- pany. (See T/O and E 55'^^5> 55-226, 55-227, 55-228, 55-229, and 55-217.) The transportation company is the basic unit of the battalion. The other companies assist the transportation company in furnishing uninterrupted train service. 4. COOPERATION. Cooperation is essential not only be- tween the various elements of the railway-operating battal- ion but ako between the battalion and the military service in general and the battalion and coordinating agencies. Prompt service, the guiding principle of railway operation, depends upon teamwork. In order to insure team play within the battalion, the battalion commander is placed in direct command of all railway personnel employed on his railway division. 2 Digitized by Google S* WEAPONS. Basic arms of each of the companies of the battalion are the carbine and the rifle. Additional weapons include 50-caliber machine guns and pistols for field grade officers. 6. EQUIPMENT, o. General. The battalion is equipped with organizational equipment and supplies for the office of battalion headquarters and for messing, routine supply, and administration; and with motor transportation for recon- naissance, supervision, messenger service, and routine bat- talion supply. Its technical equipment includes drafting and reproduction, and special railway tools, machinery, equipment, and supplies issued as required for operation and maintenance of a railway division. When a battalicm is assigned a definite task, it may requisition such additional equipment as the situation requires. b. Cors amd leeemetives. Railway cars for operations are not assigned to any railway operating battalion or rail- way grand division, but are moved freely over the entire system as required. Locomotives are normally assigned to a railway grand division for use on the entire grand division. 7. TRANSPORTATION, o. Movement of a railway- operating battalion is by rail, and it is anticipated that their organizational equipment will always be carried in railway cars. Its special railway equipment does not accompany a railway operating battalion when moved except under extraordinary circumstances, in which case it is moved by rail the same as any other special railway equipment. b. Tables of Equipment show the authorized allowance of motor transportation. Sufficient motor vehicles are pro- vided to permit the supply of units, to provide contact with higher authority and depots within the railway division, and for technical operation of the units. 8. TERMINOLOGY. The relation between positions and their rank of officers of the railway-operating battalion and those of officers of commercial railway systems is given as follows: Digitized by Googl Designation OOMPANT Headquarters Headqu titers Maintenance of way — Company *'A" Maintenance of equipment- Company "B" Transportation- Company "C Electric power transmission — Company "D" Ambulance train maintenance section Rank Lt. Col Major Captain Captain Captain 1st lieutenant — 1st lieutenant Captain 1st lieutenant.. 1st lieutenant — 1st lieutenant.. 2d lieutenant... Captain 1st lieutenant — Ist lieutenant.. 1st lieutenant. 2d lieutenant- Captain 1st lieutenant 1st lieutenant — 2d lieutenant Captain 1st lieutenant. 2d lieutenant.. 1st lieutenant. MUitary Title Battalion commander — Second in conomand (executive officer) . Supply officer Adjutant Commercial Railway Title Division superintendent. Assistant division super- intendent. Division storekeeper. Assistant to division superintendent. Company commander. Commander, train I Chief dispatcher. movement section. Mess officer Company commander. - Commander, bridges and building pla- toon. Commander, track maintenance pla- toon. Commander, signal maintenance section. Assistant to company conomander. Company commander... Commander, locomo- tive repair platoon. Commander, car repair platoon. Assistant to company commander. Company commander... Commander, headquar- ters section. Commander, train movement platoon. Assistant to company commander. Company commander... Commander, electric power platoon. Commander Ambulance train maintenance section. Engineer, mainteoaoce of way (division en- gineer). Supervisor bridges and Building. Track supervisor. Signal supervisor. Assistant engineer, maintenance of way. Master mechanic. Engine-house foreman. General car fore-man. Mechanical engineer. Assistant to master me* chanic. Trainmaster. General yardmaster. Road foreman of en- gines. Assistant to trainmaster. Electrical engineer. Electrical engineer. General car foreman. Digitized by Google Section II Technical Operations 9. POWERS AND LIMITATIONS, o. The battalion em- ployed on a railway division is capable of maintaining the normal supply of one field army over a single track standard gauge line. b. Length of railway division to which a battalion is assigned is determined by higher authority. It depends upon the military situation, friendly or hostile territory, terrain, condition of roadbed and track, grades, terminal facilities, location and length of sidings, conmiunication facilities, nearness to the front, etc. In general, it may be stated that on a single-track railroad, length of a railway division will vary from 90 to 150 miles. If daylight opera- tion of railways adjacent to the front is prohibited, the length of the division may be less than 90 miles. c. The railway-operating battalion has the necessary per- sormel to maintain and operate a 50-mile single-track rail- way division in advance of the regulation station. In a stabilized sector in rear of the regulating station, the battal- ion is capable of maintaining and operating 70 miles (maxi miun density of traffic — one train per hour in each direc- tion) without an increase in personnel. Length of the division in a stabilized sector can be increased to 150 miles by attaching one additional maintenance platoon to "A" Company, one additional train operating platoon to "C" Company, and additional specialists such as train dispatch- ers, telegraph operators, etc., to Headquarters Company. d. Initial construction of railways as distinguished from maintenance is not the duty of military railway battalions. Digitized by Such work is normally the responsibility of the Corps of Engineers, as is the stock piling of construction material and construction equipment required therefor, as may be planned and requested by the Transportation Corps (see AR 55-650) • e. In the occupation of friendly territory or the pacifica- tion of conquered areas, full utilization will be made of civilian technical and skilled railway employees, and other available civilian labor in the operation and maintenance of railroad facilities. Such employment must be under the close supervision of military railway personnel, and all nec- essary safeguards taken to guard against sabotage. f. Use of military railway operating battalions for work other than maintenance or operation of railways should be avoided. When an unavoidable situation requires their employment on other work they must be provided with suitable transportation and equipment. 10. DISTRIBUTION OF PERSONNEL o. The raUway division when operating in advance of the regulating station is normally divided into 10 sections of approximately 5 miles each, and when operating in rear of regulating station or in an area which is not subjected to severe conditions such as frequent bombardments, poor roadbed, etc., 10 sections of approximately 7/2 miles or more each. General organi- zation of a railway division in the theater of operations is shown below. Operating division, theater of operations Terminal "A" Station StaUon Station Station Terminal 1234 I 18 3 4 I I 12 3 4 ^ Kitchen for signalmen and trackmen. * Kitchen for train crews (continuous service) . " Water tanks. * Fuel supply. b. It is impracticable to prescribe any fixed distribution of personnel of the railway-operating battalion due to the ^ Digitized by Google varying conditions under which it operates. This distri- bution must be left to the practical discretion of the divi- sion superintendent (railway-operating battalion com- mander) . As a guide, the following distribution is designed to meet normal requirements : (1) TERMINAL "A." Battalion headquarters and all other personnel not stationed at other locations. Battalion headquarters and shops normally are located at the prin- cipal terminal of the railway division. (2) STATION "B." 1 sergeant in charge of track maintenance section (maintenance-of-way company) . 2 corporals, track section foremen (maintenance-of- way company) . 14 section hands (maintenance-of-way company) . 3 telegraph operators (headquarters company). I cook (headquarters company). 21 total personnel. (3) STATION "C." Same as Station "B" with die addi- tion of 2 cooks; total personnel, 23. (4) STATION "D." Same as Station "B." (5) STATION "E." Same as Station "B." (6) TERMINAL "F." Personnel at this terminal depend upon the situation. If it is at the end of the line, it will require the same personnel as Station "C" plus such inspec- tors and emergency repairmen as may be required. Nor- mally it will not exceed 50 men. When the battalion is an intermediate one the activities at Terminal "F" will be performed by the adjacent battalion. C. Detachments at Stations "B," "C," "D," and "E" are each imder the command of a track maintenance ser- geant from the maintenance-of-way company. He is respon- sible for that part of the railroad maintenance work allotted to him, usually from 10 to 15 miles. He is responsible for administration, sanitation, discipline, and mess, and will exercise command in case it is necessary to engage in com- bat However, he has no control over technical activities of men who are not assigned to the maintenance-of-way company. d. As distribution of technical troops is often insufficient Digitized by Google 7 to meet needs of certain specific tasks, economy of per- sonnel must be practiced in railway operations. It may be necessary to modify certain units temporarily by rein- forcing them with elements from others. Such measures should be exceptional, since personnel of each company should be kept under orders of its conmiander in the inter- est of efficient administration. When it is necessary to increase strength of one unit at the expense of another, sub- ordinate elements under their leaders should be detailed instead of individuak whenever practicable. 11. DEMOLITION, o. Railway-operating battalions may be required by higher authority to destroy railway struc- tures and track. The commander of a railway operating battalion prepares plans for destruction of that part of the line over which he has control. The plan will include detaib concerning structures to be destroyed and their priori- ties, computations as to quantities of explosives required for complete demolition, and requisitions for material and supplies. b. Railway-operating battalions are responsible for prompt withdrawal of rolling stock to prevent confiscation by the enemy. Conditions may arise which make it neces- sary to risk the possibility of losing rolling stock in order to accomplish an important mission worthy of such risk. In such cases railway personnel cooperate in every way possible with the commanders concerned. 12. ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL, o. Additional person- nel may be placed at the disposition of railway-operating battalions for the purpose of increasing the capacity of the railway. Such personnel may be — ( 1 ) Civilians. ( 2 ) Engineer troops. (3) Troops of other arms and services when engineer troops are not available. b. Civilians or troop units arc assigned to the various departments of the railway in accordance with their needs. e. Civilians arc attached to military railway units and Digitized by Google serve under the officers and noncommissioned officers of these imits. 1 3. RELATION TO OTHER ARMS AND SERVICES, o. The Transportation Corps arranges with the Signal Corps for the necessary wire circuits for train dispatching and administration of military railways. Such circuits are oper- ated by the Transportation Corps. Construction and main- tenance of these circuits are functions of the Signal Corps. Where a wire system is entirely turned over for administra- tion of military railways, it is maintained and operated by the railway operating battalion (AR 55-650). b. Transportation officers of the Transportation Corps are administrative agents placed at important shipping and receiving points for the purpose of making requisitions on shipping agencies for transportation of men, animals, and materials, and for supervision of loading and imloading. They have no control over operation of trains nor over per- sonnel of the railway services. Movement priorities, when necessary, are determined by higher authority. Requisi- tions for rolling stock are made by transportation officers, and movements are executed by railway operating personnel. e. No officer not a part of the railway operating organiza- tions will give any orders to railway operating personnel in the discharge of their duties, or interfere in any way with operation of trains except in case of emergency. d. (i) Train and engine crews for railway artillery trains passing over a railway division manned by a military rail- way operating battalion usually are furnished by the trans- portation company of the railway operating battalion. When train and engine crews are furnished by the railway artillery, pilots are provided by the transportation company of the railway operating battalion over whose trackage the movement is made. On trackage assigned exclusively to railway artillery, all functions pertaining to maintenance and train operation duties are performed by railway artil- lery troops or attached personnel. Locomotives for railway artillery trains may be furnished by the unit itself or by , the railway operating battalion. (2) Railway artillery trains or engines will not enter upon or foul tracks under Military Railway Service control with- Digitized by Google 9 out permission of the military railway authorities. Military Railway Service trains and engines will not enter upon or foul tracks assigned to railway artillery except imder author- ity of the latter. (3) Military railway personnel maintain all main track cross-overs and turn-outs leading to railway artillery tracks. Railway artillery troops maintain their own firing and approach tracks from and including the first standard rail joint outside fouling distance from the main track. €• The railway-operating battalion controls all move- ments over the trackage assigned to it. This includes sched- ules, routing, dispatching, and conduct of transportation. f. Such running and major repairs to rolling stock of other arms as are necessary are performed by military rail- way personnel (FM 55-60) . g. When a railway-operating battalion operates a division between a regulating station and forward railheads, the division superintendent's office normally is located at the regulating station. If more than one battalion is required, a general superintendent's office may be located at the regu- lating station. The regulating officer determines shipment priorities in line with the directives of the theater com- mander. The military railway personnel carry out these priorities. h. Railways are protected by combat troops located in the zone of operation of the railway. Where a line is subjected to frequent raids, it may be protected by armored trains manned and conmianded by personnel from other arms and operated by railway-operating battalion train crews. Move- ments of armored trains over a railway are special and are governed by tactical considerations, and their priority is specified by higher authority. 14. COMMAND (fig. i). o. The service of military rail- ways in the theater of operations is under control of the commanding general, general manager. Military Railway Service. Traffic control on military railways in forward areas is under control of regulating officers through a gen- eral superintendent or superintendent. Headquarters and headquarters company, Military Railway Service (see T/O 10 Digitized by Google 55~3®2)> provides the general manager with a staff of five departments corresponding with the principal branches of railway operation. It includes an administrative depart- ment, a transportation department, a maintenance-of -equip- ment department, an engineering department, and a stores department. Headquarters, railway grand divisicm (see T/O 55-202) provides the general superintendent with a staff of five sections — administrative, transportation, equip- ment, engineering, and stores. Chiefs of these sections coor- dinate actions of all subordinate units with reference to those duties which correspond to their respective staff sections. No section of this staff controls the operation of any imit as such, but each section handles the matters which pertain to it regardless of the unit in which the subject originates. The general manager, Military Railway Service, has under his direction one or more general superintendents, each in charge of a grand division (see FM 55-50 (when published) and fig. 2) . b. Each general superintendent (conunanding officer railway grand division) ordinarily has general supervisicm over two or more railway-operating battalions (T/O 55-225), one railway shop battalion (T/O 55-235), one base depot company (T/O 55—260) , and one railway work- shop (Mobile), coliunns 6 and 42 (T/O 55—500). e. Railway shop battalions, base depot companies, rail- way workshop, TC (Mobile), and ambulance trains are retained directly under the general manager, Military Rail- way Service, or assigned to a grand division by direction of the general manager, Military Railway Service. In the absence of a headquarters. Military Railway Service, in any theater of operation, these units will be assigned by the sen- ior Military Railway Service officer in the theater of operations. d. Diuring a campaign, railway operations are usually of an extremely urgent character. Consequently, in cases where it is impossible to adhere closely to the proper chain of command and conununication without entailing danger- ous delays, the battalion commander authorizes company or detachment commanders to enter into direct communica- tion with the various higher authorities in order to expedite fulfillment of their missions. Digitized by Google § 1 1 1 < • f 1 1 1 1 1 1 p— 1 1 1 ill 1 J 1 OB P * IB ui s |4| w il COMMAND IN« 8ENERAL SERVICES OF SUPPLY CHIEF OF TRANSPORTATION THEATER OFI STAFF 1 - 2 STAFF 2 1 1 ( 1 1 1 i i i 1 1 1 L— i < o OTHER 1 REGUUTINQ OFFICER A8ENCIES j (CONTROLS SHIPMENTS) 1 12 Digitized by Google Digitized by Google '3 Digitized by Google Section III Headquarters and Headquarters Company 15. ORGANIZATION (fig. 3). a. Battalion headquar- ters consists of the battalion commander and his staff. b. Headquarters company consists of company head- quarters and four sections; administration and technical, supply and transportation, mess, and train movement (see T/O 55-226). 16. FUNCTION. The function of the headquarters and headquarters company is to provide technical, administra- tive, and supply personnel necessary to enable the battalion conunander to supervise and coordinate activities of the battalion and to operate certain activities, conmion to all companies, such as battalion supplies, motor transportation and maintenance, and mess. 17. BATTALION HEADQUARTERS, a. The lieutenant colonel commanding the battalion is the division superin- tendent of the railway division assigned to his battalion. He is responsible for training, discipline, messing, housing, and morale of his troops. He supervises preparation of demolition plans for his division and executes such plans if directed by proper military authority. He makes such reports and keeps such records as may be necessary to insure efficient handling of rolling stock and personnel, and as may be required by higher authority. He should be prepared to make recommendations for increasing the capacity of his Digitized by Google I5 1 Digitized by Google 5 i ^ & 2 £ 1^ 1^^ I 5 2 la 1 Digitized by Google division. When located in the forward area, he should by reconnaissance keep himself informed of conditions which will confront the battalion in case railheads of his division are moved forward. He exercises control through his company commanders. b* Assistant division superintendent, major, is the execu- tive officer on all matters but is principally concerned with railway administration. c« Battalion adjutant, captain, is m charge of operation of the administration and technical section of the headquar- ters company. He is responsible for military administra- tion of tiie battalion and handles matters relating to per- sonnel, battalion orders, records, police, guard, mail service, and message service. He reports to the division superin- tendent through the executive officer. d* Division storekeeper, captain, is battalion supply offi- cer, division storekeeper, and fuel agent. He is in direct charge of the supply and transportation section of head- quarters company. As supply officer, he maintains the sup- ply of food, clothing, and ammunition and equipment As division storekeeper, he coordinates the technical supply requirements of the railway division. He has technical supervision over all of the battalion supply personnel, passes upon requisitions submitted by companies of the battalion, etc. 18. HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, a. Company head- quarters* ( I ) A captain commands the company. He is battalion and division mess officer and as such operates messes for the battalion at as many locations as may be re- quired. He advises the battalion commander on all mat- ters relating to military training and military employment of the battalion. (2) First sergeant is in charge of company administration and may be assigned additional duty. The company clerk, corporal, is his clerical assistant (3) Basic privates may be used wherever their services are required. The orderly is assigned as needed. Digitized by Google b. Headquarters platoon. This platoon contains the train dispatcher's office and the administrative and technical section. (1) ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL SEC TION. Performs the dual fimction of military administra- tion and railway administration. Battalion sergeant major acts as chief clerk for the adjutant. He has under his direc- tion routine battalion adniinistration, pay rolls, morning reports, records, and mail. He has as his assistants a T-5 general clerk and a private. When directed by the battalion conmiander, all company clerks report to the adjutant for duty in his office in connection with company records of their companies. Railway administration for the battalion is supervised by a master sergeant, chief clerk to division superintendent. He has charge of railway office manage- ment, supervises rendition of reports on railway operations, and keeps records and collects data relating to the railway. He is assisted by one T-4 general clerk, one T-5 stenog- rapher, and one private. (2) TRAIN MOVEMENT SECTION. This unit reports to the division superintendent or his assistant. It is respon- sible for movement of trains, coordination of clocks and watches, distribution of cars and motive power, and main- tenance of car, locomotive, and train movement records. (a) First lieutenant, conunanding officer of headquarters platoon, is also chief dispatcher and reports to the division superintendent or his assistant. He is responsible for train movements, train orders, prompt movement of traffic, co- ordination of watches and time with higher authority and within the division, and the dispatch and distribution of motive power so as to be in a position to move all traffic offered in a prompt and efficient manner. He supervises car ordering and movement of empty equipment over his divi- sion; prompt loading and unloading of cars, and disposition of surplus equipment; supervises work of dispatchers and sees that they are handling trains safely and expeditiously. He sees that dispatchers and operators issue and copy train orders in a correct manner, and investigates train delays on the road. He keeps a record of all cars set off at nonagency stations when in bad order or otherwise, and arranges for Digitized by Google prompt repairs, unloading or loading, as the case may be. He reports immediately any violation of rules by train crews to the superintendent or trainmaster. He notifies the vari- ous division department heads of any materials consigned and being moved to them, also point and time at which consignment will be set so they may arrange for unloading. He sees that all fuel stations are amply supplied with fuel aqid that sufficient quantity is kept en route. He keeps himself informed of conditions of facilities such as water towers, signals, fuel stations, etc., and calls the proper oflB- cer's attention to failures. He dispatches trains on a priority basis as directed by the superintendent. He maintains a record of train movements. He sees that proper authority is advised as to cars wanted and car surplus on territory under his supervision (see TM 53-265) . (6) Master sergeant, principal assistant to the chief dispatcher. (c) Technical sergeants, train dispatchers, one for each shift. {d) Staff sergeant, car distributor. (e) Technician grades and privates. Station agents, te- legraphers, telephone operators, and basics employed at vari- ous stations along the line. A station agent is assigned to duty at station locations in the divisional territory. A sta- tion agent is the representative of the railroad at the station. He is responsible for condition and protection of the station, for prompt placing of cars for loading and unloading, and for their subsequent movement. He posts official notices and time tables in his station. He sees that cars are properly loaded and seals them for shipment. When cars are re- ceived, he promptly notifies the organization or person to whom they are billed, or the individual responsible for load- ing at the station. The station agents are responsible for issue of tickets, for custody of station records, and for preparation and forwarding of station reports. c. Service platoon. This platoon contains the supply and transportation section and the mess section. It is com- manded by a first lieutenant, a mess officer, (i) SUPPLY AND TRANSPORTATION SECTION. This section provides clerical p>ersonnel for division store- 20 Digitized by Google keeper's office and personnel for operation of motor vehicles of the headquarters company. The unit is charged with receipt, distribution, and storage of supplies for the bat- talion. It reports to the battalion supply officer and works under his direct supervision. All battalion motor vehicle maintenance and all battalion shoe repairing is performed by this section with the assistance of men detailed from the companies when necessary. (a) Warrant officer acts as assistant division storekeeper. (b) Technical sergeant is the principal assistant of the supply officer. He dispatches motor vehicles and keeps battalion stores. {c) Technician grades and privates. Automobile me- chanic, storekeeper, and basic. (2) MESS SECTION. This section operates messes at terminals, shops, division points along the permanent way where the establishment of separate messes are required to feed personnel located at or passing through such points, on a 24-hour basis when required. (a) Technical sergeant, battalion mess sergeant, is in charge of the receipt, preparation, and distribution of the rations of the battalion. (6) Staff sergeants, mess sergeants, supervise operation of messes. They are responsible for condition of messes assigned to them by battalion mess sergeant. (c) Technician grades and privates. Cooks and helpers are assigned to mess sergeants or to individual messes. Basics are assigned as needed. Digitized by Google Section lY Maintenance-of-Way Company (Company A) 1 9. ORGANIZATION (fig. 3) . Main tenance-of -way com- pany is composed of company headquarters, bridge- and building-maintenance platoon, track-maintenance platoon, and signal-maintenance section (see T/O 55-227) . 20* FUNCTION, a. Conditions frequendy prevailing in the theater of operations make the task of the maintenance- of-way company very difficult. Rapid deterioration of the roadbed and track under heavy traffic and bombardment, and damage to other structures by the latter, place a severe biu-den on this company. Since personnel of this company are scattered over every mile of the railway division, author- ity must be delegated to subordinates and constant supervi- sion exercised by officers of the company in order to insure efficient maintenance. b« Maintenance of way includes repair and upkeep of track, switches, bridges, culverts, water lines, water tanks, buildings, signals, and communications; in fact, all railway property maintenance and repair which are not expressly delegated to other agencies. c. The maintenance-of-way company gradually improves condition of the track as opportunity offers, and installs such additional facilities of a minor nature as may be found ad- visable for the purpose of improving train operation. Struc- tures require almost constant and rigid inspection to prevent failure and possible accidents to trains. 00 Digitized by Google d* An active enemy equipped with long-range guns and bombing airplanes can be expected frequently to damage the roadbed and structures. Repairs must be accomplished rapidly and effectively. The maintenance-of-way company must have sufficient troops at its disposal to take care of emergency work of this character without seriously inter- fering with normal maintenance. Additional personnel may be provided from other companies of the battalion or by higher authority. e. The track-maintenance platoon operates the water service facilities under technical supervision of the water service foreman. 21. COMPANY HEADQUARTERS. This headquarters has necessary personnel to take care of normal adnunistra- tion and supply of the company, coordination of mainte- nance activities, and operation of certain specialties com- mon to the three platoons. a. Captain, coippany commander, is the engineer, main- tenance of way, and is directly responsible to the division superintendent or assistant division superintendent. He has charge of all engineering pertaining to maintenace of way and supervises maintenance of track, roadbed, bridges, build- ings, fences, and other structures, water supply, and signals and communications; makes frequent inspections to see that his organization is securing proper standard of maintenance; approves and checks before forwarding all requisitions for material; and is responsible that sufficient emergency stock is maintained on the division. He is also responsible for military administration of his company and for rendition of military and railway reports. His territorial limits are the same as those of the division superintendent. b* Second lieutenant, assistant to the engineer, mainte- nance of way, normally handles administraticm and supply matters under direction of the company commander. He may be delegated such other duties as the situation requires. He is assigned to track maintenance platoon headquarters. €• First sergeant has immediate charge of all routine mat- ters of the company. He prepares or supervises prepara- Digitized by Google tion of routine reports, keeps organization records, prepares and issues orders, and performs such other work as may be assigned to him. df* A staff sergeant, draftsman, railway, is in charge of surveys, design, drafting, and photography. He is assisted by two railway draftsmen. When it is necessary to make surveys, additional men are detailed from the company headquarters or the platoon. Supply sergeant, staff ser- geant, is in charge of receipt and issue of maintenance-of- way supplies of the battalion and individual and organiza- tional supplies of the company. He maintains such stocks of materials as the situation may demand. He keeps in touch with supply requirements of the platoons and prepares and forwards requisitions. He is assisted by stock clerks and drivers. He works under the technical supervision of the division storekeeper. e« Corporal, company clerk, is charged with care and preparation of records of the company and reports to first sergeant. f. Privates. Bugler, truck and tractor drivers, stock clerks, power-shovel operator, basic. Bugler is company messenger and reports to first sergeant. Basic privates are engaged on such tasks as may be designated by first sergeant. Truck drivers and stock clerks report to supply sergeant. A tractor driver and power-shovel operator report to first sergeant. 22. BRIDGE- AND BUILDING-MAINTENANCE PLA- TOON. This unit consists of platoon headquarters and three bridge and building sections. The platoon normally is charged with all railway maintenance other than rolling stock, motor vehicles, shop machinery, roadbed, and signal lines. The principal duties of the platoon are maintenance of bridges and buildings, and of coaling and watering fa- cilities. The three bridge and building sections may be employed at various places along the line or on a three-shift basis for a given job. a. Platoon headquarters. This headquarters coordi- nates and inspects activities of the bridge and building sec- ^4 Digitized by Google tions, and furnishes technical and crane services for the platoon. (1) First lieutenant, platoon commander and supervisor of bridges and buildings, reports to the engineer, mainte- nance of way, to whom he is responsible for safety and adequacy of structures. He supervises work of his platoon and furnishes it with proper materials and tools. He is responsible for maintenance of emergency supplies of bridge material to replace structures washed out, burned out, or destroyed. He aids the track supervisor, if necessary, in opening the line for traffic after damage. He supervises maintenance-of -water stations, coal stations, and stationary boilers in stations and buildings except shops. He is re- sponsible for messing and care of his men. (2) Technical sergeant, second in conunand, is assistant supervisor of bridges and buildings and handles such matters as may be delegated to him by the platoon conunander. He keeps all bridge records, prepares requisitions for bridge materials, prepares bridge reports, and keeps informed of the location of bridge materials, their kind, and quantity. He keeps technical records of other structures assigned to the bridge and maintenance platoon. He supervises ac- tivities of his staff sergeants, bridge, and building foremen. (3) Staff sergeant, foreman of water service, is assisted by two technicians grades 4 and 5, and basic privates, if neces- sary. He determines quality of water by smiple tests, quan- tity available, and reconunends such changes as may be in the interest of more efficient service. He keeps in touch with the officer in higher headquarters charged with railway water activities. He maintains water installations in co- operation with bridge and building sections. (4) Technicians and privates, (a) Technician, grade 4, is bridge inspector and reports to platoon conunander, makes requisitions for bridge repairs, and performs duties assigned by company conunander. (b) Water supply men are charged with maintenance of pumps and water lines, and report to foreman of water service. (c) Rigger performs duties as required and reports to technical sergeant, second in conunand. Digitized by Google' (d) Privates perform duties as outlined in Table of Or- ganization or as directed. b. Bridge and building section. This section is or- ganized and equipped to maintain structures and to build new structures within its capacity. ( 1 ) Staff sergeant, in charge of the section, is construction foreman and supervises work of the section and is responsi- ble for discipline and care of his men. He sees that there are no delays due to lack of materials. When section is separated from company mess he sees that arrangements are made for messing. (2) Technicians and privates, (a) Two technicians grade 4, bridge builders, are group leaders and perform duties as assigned by section leaders. (b) Technicians are assigned to group leaders or special jobs by the section leader. Included in section are black- smiths, bridge and building general carpenters, pipe fitters, structural-steel workers, stone mason, and basics. 23. TRACK-MAINTENANCE PLATOON. This unit is composed of a platoon headquarters and six track-mainte- nance sections of two squads each. It is responsible for the safe condition and proper maintenance of roadbed, track, tunnels, right-of-way, station grounds, driveways, crossings, fences, cattle guards, track signs, etc., within the railway divisional area. a. Platoon headquarters. This headquarters super- vises activities of the track-maintenance sections and dis- tributes tools and materials, prepares and forwards requisi- tions, and routine inspection reports. (i) First lieutenant, platoon commander, is track super- visor and reports to and receives instructions from the engi- neer, maintenance of way. He assigns territorial limits to track maintenance sections and prescribes their duties. He examines track-maintenance sergeants and corporals, track section foremen, to see that they are conversant with all rules and special instructions of the maintenance-of-way depart- ment and such rules of other departments as are required in the proper performance of their duties. He holds track- 26 Digitized by Google maintenance sergeants responsible for discipline, training men of their sections, and for railway property within their territories. He is responsible for advance ordering of suffi- cient track materials to insure rapid repairs, and for surplus materials in his territory. In case of train accident, line obstruction, or damage, he proceeds at once to the site with forces, tools, and materials at his conunand. He clears the track and makes temporary repairs to permit passage of trains. Permanent repairs are made as soon as conditions permit. He takes charge of all section hands who report for duty. He is responsible for care and messing of his men and defense of tfie line unless this defense is delegated to other troops. (2) Staff sergeant, second in command, is assistant track supervisor, and handles such matter as may be delegated to him by the platoon conmiander. He normally supervises training and operation of personnel of the platoon. b. Traek-mointenonee section. This section consists of a track-maintenance sergeant and two track-maintenance squads. It is a maintenance unit assigned to a prescribed territory, comprising two track sections, by the platoon com- mander. It is responsible for all maintenance work within territorial limits of the section unless expressly delegated to other units. (1) Sergeant, track maintenance, is responsible for disci- 6 line and training of his men and supervises their work. e normally has administrative and disciplinary control of all personnel assigned to permanent duty within his. area. He is responsible for defense of his area. He has no techni- cal control of men not assigned to his section. He com- mands track-maintenance personnel through corporals in charge of track-maintenance squads. He is responsible for all track-maintenance tools and materials within his area. (2) Each track-maintenance squad is composed of — {a) Corporal or private first class, track section foreman, is responsible for the maintenance of track, roadbed, and right-of-way of the territory allocated to him. He goes over rail lines of his area or sends a reliable trackwalker with suitable tools at least once a day to make thorough inspec- tions and see that track, highway crossings, bridges, culverts, Digitized by GoogIe27 fences, signals, telegraph lines, etc., are in safe condition. He is responsible for discipline and training of his men, for tools and materials assigned to him by the track-mainte- nance sergeant, and for timely requests for additional took and supplies. (b) Privates, section hands. 24. SIGNAL-MAINTENANCE SECTION. This unit ports to the engineer, maintenance of way. It is responsible for maintenance of commimications of the railway division, and its duties include repair of telephone, telegraph, and signal equipment, and the maintenance of signal and com- munication lines. When ccmditions warrant, the signal- maintenance section may be attached to the headquarters company for duty. O. First lieutenant, as signal supervisor, is in charge of section. He supervises all signal and communication main- tenance and cooperates with the Signal Corps on technical matters. b. Staff sergeant, wire chief, telephone and telegraph, is second in command, and handles such matters as may be delegated to him by the platoon commander. He normally supervises training and operation of personnel of the section. e. Corporals, linemen, telephone and telegraph, who direct maintenance of wires and circuits; and railway signal maintainer, who directs repairs to railway signal equipment and circuits. d. Technicians, general-carpenter, lineman, railway sig- nal maintainers, telephone and telegraph installer-repair- man, and basics. 28 Digitized by Google Section V Maintenance-of-Equipment Company (Company B) 25. ORGANIZATION (fig. 3). Maintenance-of-equip- ment company is composed of company headquarters, car- repair platoon, and locomotive-repair platoon (see T/O 55-228). 26. FUNCTION. This company is responsible for running repairs of rolling stock, tools, and mechanical appliances, inspection and conditioning of rolling stock, and mainte- nance and operation of fuel and lubrication facilities. Its duties are equivalent to those of a roundhouse force on a civilian railway. Heavy repairs, general overhauling, and major replacements are performed in back shops operated by a railway-shop battalion or civilian personnel. The main tenance-of -equipment company — O. Makes running repairs, tests, and inspections of rolling stock. b. Washes boilers. €• Repairs all tools and mechanical equipment of com- panies of the battalion. d. Does all sign painting for the battalion. e. Establishes and maintains a fuel reserve for the bat- talion. f . Establishes and maintains a gasoline, oil, kerosene, and grease reserve for the battalion. 9* Operates fueling and ash facilities. Digitized by Google 27. COMPANy HEADQUARTERS. Supervises technical operaticMis of the two platoons, administers the company, procures, stores, and issues tools and materials for which the company is responsible, and operates drafting room. O. Captain, company commander and master mechanic, is responsible to the division superintendent or assistant division superintendent. He assigns personnel to jobs and maintains an adequate supply of materials. He is responsi- ble that personnel imder his direction cooperate with other departments in their effort to facilitate operation of trains. He prescribes rules and regulations for protection of shops against fire and makes frequent inspections to see that they are complied with. He is responsible for protection of the shops and will make such provision therefor as the situation may demand. b. First lieutenant, second in command and mechanical engineer, assists the master mechanic in performance of his duties and has direct charge of the drafting room and pro- curement, issue, and storage of tools, materials, and supplies. Personnel under his personal direction are supply sergeant, mechanical draftsman, and storekeepers. C Second lieutenant, assistant to master mechanic, nor- mally handles administration and supply matters under direction of the master mechanic. He will see that all rules pertaining to equipment inspection, tests, boiler washouts, etc., are complied with. He will maintain record of condi- tion of locomotives and cars and perform such other duties as assigned by the master mechanic. d. First seiTgeant, chief clerk, is responsible for prepara- tion and rendition of administrative reports of a mUitary or technical nature. He keeps all records. He is assisted by the corporal clerk (for more detail, see par. 21 ) . e. Staff sergeant, supply sergeant, is in charge of procure- ment, receipt, storage, and distribution of railway supplies, materials, tools, as well as rations, individual equipment, and organizational equipment. He reports to the company ccmi- mander but is under technical supervision of the division storekeeper. Digitized by Google f. Corporal, company clerk, prepares and cares for rec- ords of the company and reports to the first sergeant. g. Technicians and privates. ( i ) Technician 5th grade, draftsman, is in charge of drafting room. He performs all drafting, photographic, and reproduction work for the com- pany. He reports to the mechanical engineer on all techni- cal matters. (2) Stock clerk (storekeeper) , assists the supply sergeant in the procurement, receipt, storage, and distribution of rail- way supplies, materials, and tools, including organizational equipment He is normally assisted by stock clerks, privates. (3) Privates, truck drivers and stock clerks, will report to the supply sergeant, bugler to first sergeant. Basics are employed on various tasks. 28. CAR-REPAIR PLATOON. This platoon is composed of headquarters, wrecking crew, and car-repair section. It is charged with maintenance, repair, and inspection of cars, operation of wrecking train, and execution of all sign painting. o. Plotoon heodquorters. Supervises operation of the car-repair shop and inspects all cars passing over the division. (1) First lieutenant, platoon commander and general car foreman, imder supervision of the master mechanic, has direct charge of the car-repair shop. He is responsible for discipline and training of his men and their suitability for work to which assigned and for inspection and tests of air brakes and air equipment, in addition to repair of cars. He has direct supervision of car inspection and of supply of car-repair materials. He is the equipment department rep- resentative at wrecks. It will be his responsibility to see that damage to equipment is held to a minimum when pick- ing it up after wreck, with full consideration for clearing the wreckage as quickly as possible. (2) Technical sergeant, platoon sergeant and second in command, is the foreman in charge of the car shop. He coordinates work of car repair and requisitions shop materials. Digitized by Google (3) Technicians 5th grade, car inspectors, railway, have charge of car inspection and report to lieutenant in com- mand or to the platoon technical sergeant. Each technician 5th grade, railway car inspector, has one private as assistant car Inspector. b. Wrecking crew. Operates equipment assigned to wrecking train and supervises removal of wrecks or other line obstructions. It works under direction of the battalion commander or his assistant while engaged upon wrecking activities. When wrecking crew is not employed upon re- moval of wrecks, personnel is attached to car-repair section. The crane operator, fireman, and staff sergeant wreckmaster care for wrecking equipment under direction of the master mechanic in connection with their other duties. Any addi- tional men required for wrecking operations will be drawn from the car-repair platoon. (1) Staff sergeant, wreckmaster, is responsible for equip- ment and materials of wrecking train and for employment of wrecking crew when engaged upon wrecking activities. (2) Technicians and privates, (a) Technicians 4^1 grade, car mechanic (railway) (steel-car work), crane operator and welder, combination. (b) Technicians 5th grade, car mechanic (railway) , and railway mechanic (general). {c) Privates, car mechanic (railway), stationary boiler fireman (fires wrecking crane) . Designations indicate their duties. Basic is assigned as needed. When these men are not engaged in wrecking activities they are assigned to other duties as indicated above. e. Cor-repoir section. Performs all car repairing and maintenance work, assisted by personnel from wrecking crew when assigned to it. It is responsible for all sign painting for the battalion. ( I ) Staff sergeant, car shop foreman assistant, is in charge of car-repair shop. He is responsible for discipline and training of his men and supervises their work. He keeps the supply sergeant informed of material requirements of the shop. 32 Digitized by Google (2) Technicians and privates. Air-brake mechanic (rail- way) , blacksmith, car carpenter (performs truck and wood- work), car mechanic (railway) (performs all steel work), pipe fitter (railway), welder (electric arc). Designations indicate their duties and their employment depends upon the tasks assigned to